Rheinmetall and Andøya Space form strategic partnership to strengthen Europe’s civil and military space operations

Rheinmetall and Andøya Space form strategic partnership to strengthen Europe’s civil and military space operations

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall Nordic AS and Andøya Space have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on civil and military space operations. The partnership will address gaps in Europe’s satellite and launch value chain, offering both regular launch services and Tactical Responsive Launch capabilities from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. The cooperation will support NATO allies and partner nations by enhancing strategic autonomy, faster deployment of new satellite systems, and resilience of critical infrastructure. Leaders from both companies highlighted the agreement as a major milestone in strengthening Europe’s space capabilities.

(PRESS RELEASE) ANDØYA 1-Sept-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall Nordic AS and Andøya Space of Norway have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to strengthen cooperation in civil and military space operations. The agreement lays the foundation for a strategic partnership that aims to meet growing European security requirements by enabling the rapid deployment of satellites and other space assets.

The collaboration will focus on closing existing gaps in the satellite and launch-related value chain at Andøya Spaceport. Together, the companies plan to provide regular commercial launch services alongside Tactical Responsive Launch (TacRL) capabilities, ensuring resilient and secure satellite operations with shortened reaction times.

Through this partnership, Rheinmetall and Andøya Space intend to bolster the strategic military and civil space infrastructure not only for Germany and Norway, but also for NATO allies and partner nations. The joint approach emphasizes the importance of strategic autonomy, faster deployment of new space-based capabilities, and enhanced responsiveness in today’s dynamic geopolitical environment.

Troels Sandreid, President of Andøya Spaceport, stated: “This Letter of Intent marks an important milestone for Andøya Space. By pooling expertise and infrastructure, we aim to reinforce Europe’s ability to respond quickly and securely to emerging demands in both civil and military space domains.”

Thomas Berge Nielsen, CEO of Rheinmetall Nordic AS, added: “In the context of Europe’s evolving space capabilities, our cooperation with Andøya Space will be a decisive step forward. This collaboration broadens our offering for civil and defense customers alike, and we look forward to building a strong partnership.”

The alignment of Rheinmetall’s defense and technology expertise with Andøya’s launch infrastructure is seen as a key step in completing the Andøya space value chain. Both companies are committed to offering state-of-the-art facilities and services on European soil under commercial conditions, ensuring successful execution of both TacRL missions and scheduled launch services.

Media Contact:

Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Public Relations
Rheinmetall AG
Tel.: +49-(0)211 473 4748
oliver.hoffmann@
rheinmetall.com

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG